Colorado Springs, CO August 2026

DIG IN. LET’S MAKE SOME HISTORY.

UNFORGETTABLE AFFAIRS

For those yearning to visit Colorado and leave with a bit of gold dust on their boots, the Mining Exchange is just the place. Our completely reimagined 128-room hotel is a tribute to the wild souls who carved hope and prosperity out of the mountains. Be part of a story that’s still unfolding.

Enter the grand lobby where floor-to-ceiling windows and high ceilings make the most of Colorado Springs’ 350+ days of sunshine per year. Our flexible ballrooms and outdoor space set the stage for grand weddings and swanky cocktail receptions tailor-made for you. So, go ahead and plan your destination wedding, rehearsal dinner, and bridal brunch. With on-site catering, bridal suite, groom’s den and a dedicated events team, you’ll be hard-pressed to find more impressive wedding venues in Colorado Springs.

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SOUTH

THE ART OF DINING

TEJON

MULTIPLIED

BY THREE SEE YOU ON THE PATIO!

Young at Heart

This is a photograph of me as a young girl—energetic, independent, creative and yes, a little bit sassy. She loved to read and boss around her little sister. She (embarrassingly) had a few imaginary friends and named her stuffed cat Important after the word of the day on “Sesame Street.”

Though many years have passed since this photo was taken, this girl still exists. I get a glimpse of her every time I write, every time I board a plane to visit somewhere new, every time I pause to admire a beautiful waterfall during a hike. As for Important, now it’s my two-year-old son who asks to bring the stuffed animal with him into his crib.

I’ve always felt that it’s important (ha) to maintain a sense of childlike wonder as we get older. Life can be pretty tough. If we try to remain joyful, imaginative and excited for the future, it will be that much easier to see all the possibilities right in front of us.

This issue spotlights Fountain Valley School, a coed college prep boarding and day school whose campus is on a 1,100-acre prairie in southeastern Colorado Springs. Its approach to learning gives students the lessons and experiences they need before leaving for college, where they will be better prepared for the futures that await them. I was so impressed with the student I interviewed—it’s clear the excitement he and his peers feel about forging their own paths is related to the education they’ve received.

Speaking of excitement, almost nothing produces joy like rescuing an animal in need. Our story on the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region illustrates how critical volunteers are to facilitating pet adoptions. This year, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is celebrating its centennial; read our feature on its new giraffe center that children and adults will adore. This issue also includes stories of a woodworker who finds joy in discarded materials, a shop owner who breathes new life into worn cowboy hats, and so much more.

As you turn these pages, remember to always stay young at heart. Happy August! LINDEN

BUTRYM, EDITOR

August 2026

PUBLISHER

Scott Barr | scott.barr@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Stephanie Barr | stephanie.barr@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Linden Butrym | linden.butrym@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Jacey Blue Renner | coloradosprings@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Cara Bukacek, Linden Butrym, Christa Hays, Brandy Lovelace, Rochelle Reeder, Jacey Blue Renner, Jessi Scoletti

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, The Broadmoor, Fountain Valley School, Labor Day Lift Off, Jenna Jennings, Kyle McGuire, Tom Kimmel, Karin Ellis, Kira Whitney, Laurel Schaffer, Bob Younger, Katie Rothenbury, Kennedy Garfield, Mtn Air Marketing, Dave & Sonya Ormao Dance Company, Heritage Inspirations, Ren Creativ, Patrick Chin, Alexandra Cancro, Visit Taos, New Mexico True

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

Proverbs 3:5-6

business monthly

TFP Center of Aesthetic Medicine

With more than 60 years of combined medical and aesthetic experience, the TFP Aesthetics team provides science-backed treatments, helping the Colorado Springs community achieve self-care goals with confidence. The center’s new suite is designed around personalized care, education and innovative services. Service treatments now include laser hair removal, hyperpigmentation treatments, body contouring with WarmSculpting, Morpheus8, Botox, customized facials and chemical peels. tfp-aesthetics.com

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My Cellar Wine Bar

Whether you're catching up with friends, planning a team happy hour, celebrating a milestone, hosting a private gathering or simply unwinding after work, My Cellar serves as a welcoming neighborhood living room. Discover approachable wines, thoughtful small plates, a beautiful patio, weekly Tuesday Tasting Table experiences and spaces designed for conversation and connection. Come for one glass—or stay all evening. mycellarwinebar.com

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Iron Wild Fitness

At the intersection of Pikes Peak and Wahsatch avenues downtown, Iron Wild Fitness is a locally owned gym where members can train comfortably, consistently and without fighting crowds. Membership is intentionally limited, and staff consistently create a personable, welcoming environment that supports all fitness levels. From strength training equipment and specially designed mobility spaces to on-site personal trainers, complimentary towel service and bathroom amenities, Iron Wild provides a reliable, clean, no-fuss place to train. ironwildfitnesscos.com

FOR THE LOVE OF ANIMALS

Community Support for This Humane Society Keeps Its Mission Alive

ARTICLE BY CHRISTA HAYS PHOTOGRAPHY BY HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE PIKES PEAK REGION

Animal lovers in Colorado Springs probably know the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region works tirelessly to find homes for every one of the pets in its care. Adoption remains their top priority: Last year alone, HSPPR assisted in nearly 13,000 adoptions, with animals staying an average of just seven days before heading home. “Our most important mission is adoptions,” says Cody Costra, public relations manager for the organization. “But we’ve grown to meet the needs of our community.”

This growth is evident in the many ways HSPPR shows up beyond the joyous “gotcha day” moment. Today, it serves Colorado Springs as well as Pueblo, Douglas County and the city of Centennial. HSPPR provides low-cost veterinary services, vaccines, spay and neuter care, and support for lost pets through their return-to-owner program. The facility also offers youth education programs and a community reading program. Additionally, it operates as an open-admission shelter, meaning no domesticated animal is turned away.

HSPPR manages animal law enforcement for neglect and cruelty cases, a trap-neuter-return program for feral cats and a mobile Wellness Wagon that brings vaccines and microchipping into the community. The Wellness Wagon recently expanded its veterinary services with wellness clinics, including one inside Petco locations, to make affordable care even more accessible.

“Our biggest challenge now is keeping those services affordable as our local pet population continues to grow,” Costra

says. “We’re trying to meet pets and owners where they are.”

HSPPR staff and volunteers love to share the story of a dog named Cheeto. He arrived with animal law enforcement after he was found abandoned in the middle of winter, severely emaciated. The team was afraid he wouldn’t make it. After emergency treatment, a careful feeding plan and time spent in a foster home, Cheeto slowly began to recover. As he gained strength, his sweet personality started to emerge. Eventually, he was adopted into a loving home.

Volunteers are the backbone of HSPPR, which has about 700 people who donate their time to dog walking, kennel cleaning, fostering animals and making enrichment toys by hand. Community donations are critical—monetary gifts, unopened treats, toys, towels and bedding all make a difference, while annual fundraising events like the Fur Ball, Whisker Ball and PawtoberFest help ensure the facility can continue serving the community.

Every day, HSPPR gives animals like Cheeto a fresh start, helps families through tough situations and makes sure they have the resources needed to care for the pets they love. This kind of work often happens behind the scenes, but it makes a lasting difference in Colorado Springs. As the community experiences growth, HSPPR grows as well—one animal and one family at a time.

Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region 610 Abbot Lane 719.473.1741 hsppr.org

Join us for Pawtoberfest, a dog-friendly festival featuring craft brews and spirits tasting, pet contests, activities for the whole family, and plenty of tasty food from local food trucks!

Learning From History

At Fountain Valley School, Curriculum Embodies the Ethos of the American West

When Santiago Bedoya-Correa’s older sister started at Fountain Valley School, the independent coed college prep academy for boarders and day students in grades eighth to 12th, he tagged along for a tour. “As soon as I saw the campus and the dynamics between teachers and students, I knew it was the school where I needed to be to promote my own growth,” Bedoya-Correa says.

Nestled within an expansive parcel of prairie land that was once a Colorado Springs ranch, Fountain Valley opened in 1930 as a boarding school for boys with generous financial support from philanthropists Spencer and Julie Penrose. Today, it maintains a reputation as one of Colorado’s preeminent educational institutions, with small class sizes, athletic programs inspired by the Western lifestyle and teachings that encourage the values of American pioneers, like self-reliance and curiosity.

Now a senior, Bedoya-Correa begins his final year as Community Council President, serving as a liaison between students and faculty. He plans to double major in biomedical and mechanical engineering with a focus on prosthetics. Among his mentors on campus are Simon Walker, dean of students, and Missie Alley, Spanish professor who’s been with Fountain Valley for 19 years. Here, each of them shares why they love the school and what sets it apart.

ARTICLE BY LINDEN BUTRYM PHOTOGRAPHY BY

FOUNTAIN VALLEY SCHOOL

THE FOUNTAIN VALLEY DIFFERENCE.

Walker: Boarding schools have traditionally struggled with cohesion and lack of community when they have a majority of boarding and then a minority of day students. I think we’ve come a long way in trying to solve that. We have 10 boarding houses where our boarders live, and we also assign our day students to a boarding house. They can use the common room, facilities and kitchens.

ON THE SCHOOL’S EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY.

Walker: We provide a balanced college prep education that progresses, from finding a sense of place to becoming a leader. Kids dive into their local and regional environments, get out of the country for a global perspective and then start to turn the focus back to themselves. They’re part of a place that was discovered and settled. It’s that idea of writing your own history—what can they make of themselves in this environment?

Alley: We give them an opportunity to write their own story. They’re given tools and values, then an introduction to the world. At the end of their senior year, they have an idea of who they are. And the competitive piece isn’t there. Students aren’t looking at their peers saying, ‘You’re my competition.’ That’s a huge victory for us.

INSTILLING FIVE CORE VALUES: COURAGE, COMPASSION, CURIOSITY, SELF-RELIANCE AND OPEN-MINDEDNESS.

Walker: Our students really sustain themselves, whether it’s using the online system where their homework is posted, seeking extra help if they are encountering difficulties, having the courage to take classes that are challenging. Our values reflect

American rugged individualism. The American West experience lends itself to the boldness of wanting to try something new.

THE IMPORTANCE OF UNIQUE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS.

Alley: Everyone who works in our dining hall comes from Ecuador, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Mexico. My students interview them, then we’ll cook meals together to understand recipes and learn more of the culture and language. Students become friends with the people who are preparing their food, which I feel is very important.

PROS AND CONS OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM.

Alley: It’s a delicate balance. In my classroom, there’s no technology allowed except for what I use. I’ve gone back to paper and pen. When students leave, I’ve given them a ton of tools because I do think technology is incredible. As a homework assignment, they record conversations with someone in fluent Spanish, but the person is actually AI. They also write poetry in the classroom, then take it home and use technology to turn their words into a song to play for class the next day.

CONTINUED >

AN UNEXPECTEDLY REWARDING STUDENT EXPERIENCE.

Bedoya-Correa: I was captain of the swim team last year, and we lost a lot of our seniors. Our team didn’t have much experience. But what I really valued was the ability for all of them to rally before our last meet. This wasn’t as much about finishing first as it was about students coming together in a sport they love. That last meet, I was able to break one of the school records. Another thing I loved was the meal after the meet. We went to Chipotle and had a great time. That experience showed me what kind of school Fountain Valley is.

ADVICE FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS.

Bedoya-Correa: Allow yourself to be swallowed up by the Fountain Valley spirit. There’s a ton of diversity here. We have a lot of land around us that students can use. On the first day of school, freshmen ride a horse. I had never been in the proximity of a horse until I came to Fountain Valley. It was scary, but it was an amazing experience.

“As soon as I saw the campus and the dynamics between teachers and students, I knew it was the school where I needed to be to promote my own growth.”

Don’t be scared to try anything new. One of the best things about Fountain Valley is the uniqueness of what they offer. The summer of my sophomore year, I was able to go on a student exchange to Australia for six weeks. Be prepared to put yourself in situations where you’re not comfortable, but expect to reap the benefits. We have so many things that you wouldn’t find anywhere else.

Fountain Valley School

6155 Fountain Valley School Road

719.390.7035

fvs.edu

Collected with Intention

Before Laurel Schaffer opened VIV Home & Goods, her boutique on Colorado Springs’ west side, she spent years traveling across the world as a sustainable fashion designer, working with various artisans and makers. Those experiences shaped her belief that the items we bring into our homes should be more than decorative— they should carry history, intention and connection.

“When I moved to Colorado Springs, I saw an opportunity to create something that felt both deeply personal and broadly welcoming,” Schaffer says. “A place where people could discover thoughtfully curated home goods, textiles, vintage treasures and pieces with a genuine story behind them.”

VIV offers an invitation to uncover the stories that are woven into the objects that surround us, within a space that reflects an appreciation for craftsmanship, culture and meaningful design. The shop is filled with handwoven textiles, artisan-made decor, books and candles. There’s also one-of-a-kind pieces from around the world: exquisite silk ikat fabrics, embroidered suzanis (large textile panels) and handcrafted carpets sourced through artisan partners in Uzbekistan.

Even with its global reach, VIV manages to feel remarkably intimate. Schaffer describes the store as “a place where beauty and meaning coexist.” Rather than chasing trends, she helps customers decorate their homes so that they can tell their own stories. Through the boutique and her interior design studio, she encourages clients to create spaces filled with warmth, authenticity and character.

Schaffer brings a singular creative spirit to everything she does. As a performer with Ormao Dance Company, a local performing arts studio, she sees parallels between movement and design. Whether choreographing a dance or designing a room, Schaffer thinks about flow, emotion and how people experience a space. “Dance reminds me that beauty is something we experience, not simply observe,” she says. That perspective resonates throughout VIV, where every display feels intentional, and every object invites curiosity.

Building community is also central to Schaffer’s mission. VIV supports organizations including Ormao and the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony, and regularly hosts gatherings, cultural programs and collaborations with local creatives. For Schaffer’s customers, VIV is more than a shopping destination. It’s a place of discovery, conversation and inspiration—a reflection of Schaffer’s belief that beautiful, thoughtfully chosen objects have the power to enrich everyday life.

VIV Home & Goods

1833 W. Uintah St. 719.465.5714 viv-world.com

At VIV Home & Goods, Every Object Tells a

Story

ARTICLE BY JESSI SCOLETTI

PHOTOGRAPHY BY VIV HOME &

Find Your Stillness in Taos

If immersing yourself in the artistic culture of the Southwest and relaxing in the warm glow of a New Mexico sunset sounds like heaven, then Taos could be your perfect end-of-summer getaway. We all need a place to breathe and find respite. Taos, New Mexico gives both breath and heartbeat to a region celebrating its heritage, art and creative thought. Explore these Taos hotels, restaurants and experiences as you build your ideal mini-break before the busyness of the fall season.

A TRANQUIL ESCAPE TO SAVOR THE END OF SUMMER

ARTICLE BY JACEY BLUE RENNER

TAOS INN

This hotel has been the pulse of Taos for 90 years. Often referred to as the "Living Room of Taos,” it’s situated in the city’s historic district near Taos Plaza. The inn was originally one of several homes owned by Dr. Paul Martin, the first physician in Taos, with a history dating back to the 1890s. The building was placed on the National and State Historic Registries after its restoration in the early 1980s. Expect a gorgeous Southwestern aesthetic, with rotating regional artwork throughout the lobby, wooden beams, traditional adobe architecture and authentic kiva fireplaces. Taos Inn also provides an idyllic home base when you return in the winter for ski season. taosinn.com

Raise your margarita to toast Dr. Martin as you enjoy locally sourced recipes like green chile pork stew and chile relleños. Cozy and relaxed, Doc Martins extends the at-home experience from the Taos Inn into its restaurant space. Book your table when you book your stay.

Visit the Adobe Bar before or after your meal to explore their cocktail menu. From the Prickly Pear to the El Chupacabra, there’s a flavor-forward drink for every guest to sip while enjoying live music.

Formerly a 1960s motor lodge, this boutique hotel opened its doors in 2025. Design-driven in its art-centric space, Hotel Willa has 50 reimagined rooms that mirror the regional landscape, with beautiful color palettes that respond to each guest’s need for a calming retreat. The hotel features a chef-driven restaurant concept, Juliette; hosts an Artist in Residency program and gallery in partnership with The Paseo Project; and offers wellness itineraries to bookend each stay. hotelwilla.com

With seasonal ingredients sourced from Hotel Willa’s on-site garden, Juliette curates a unique dining experience for hotel guests and locals. The restaurant features

CHOKOLÁ HOTEL WILLA

For dessert, head to Chokolá, a bean-to-bar chocolatier offering sweets and after-meal treats. Enjoy small-batch and ethically sourced chocolates, sipping chocolate and ice cream made from natural ingredients. Eat your dessert inside the shop, or take it to-go on the short walk to Taos Plaza. chokolabeantobar.com

evolving day and evening menus from executive chef Noah Pettus. On Saturdays and Sundays, book a table for brunch (try the chilaquiles and an iced matcha with honey and sea salt). Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights, stay after dark for live music and an extensive cocktail menu.

TAOS PLAZA TAOS PUEBLO

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Indigenous/Native American community brings over 1,000 years of tradition to the region. Book a guided tour to better understand the history and culture of the Taos Pueblo people, and browse the online events calendar for community activities.  taospueblo.com

Central to Taos, the historic Taos Plaza is a great place to stroll, shop art galleries (with everything from fine art to Native American pottery) and listen to live music. In late summer, Taos Plaza Live offers a Thursday concert series. Need a mid-morning boost? Grab an espresso or cortado from Italian-style coffee bar World Cup, located at the plaza’s entrance.

From its stunning landscapes to its historic structures, Taos has long been a destination for artists, art lovers and those seeking the serenity that the outdoors can offer. Whether it’s your first visit or you’ve been many times before, you’ll find Taos to be a creative and beautiful place to rest and reset as summer draws to a close.

Local tip: Consider a return stay during the fall or winter to visit Ojo Caliente, tucked between Santa Fe and Taos, to experience the healing mineral waters of the hot springs.

TAOS

E-BIKE TOURS, COOKING EXPERIENCES AND MORE WITH HERITAGE INSPIRATIONS

Consider a tour with Heritage Inspirations to explore the heart of Taos. Foodies will love their Taos Pueblo Hands-On Horno Cooking Class Tour; led by indigenous members of the Taos Pueblo community, it includes a class on the art of bread baking and a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. For the budding astronomers in your group, Taos Stargazing at the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge offers a chance to observe the distinctive beauty of New Mexico’s dark skies. Or, embark on a multiday glamping expedition where luxury and nature collide. heritageinspirations.com

REYNOLDS WEST SPECIALIZES IN RESTORING WELL-LOVED COWBOY HATS TO THEIR FORMER

GLORY

ARTICLE BY CHRISTA HAYS

A well-worn cowboy hat can tell a story before its owner ever says a word. The creases, the dust, the sweatband that’s molded perfectly over time—every mark represents a memory. In Colorado Springs, hats aren’t only accessories. They’re part of people’s lives, which is why Reynolds West feels special.

Walk through the store’s front door, and you’ll quickly realize this isn’t a trendy hat bar where you pick out a hat style, add a feather, snap a photo, and call it custom. At Reynolds West, customers start with an open-crown, flat-brim hat before making it their own. Using heat and steam, shop owner Hannah Howell carefully molds the inside of a hat to fit its owner’s head for comfort and for function. A properly shaped hat sits naturally, stays put when the Colorado wind picks up and feels like it’s been yours for years. With a wide selection of brands, styles and colors, everyone leaves with something that’s uniquely theirs.

A passion for hat shaping found Howell unexpectedly after a move to Colorado. She became particularly intrigued by restoring old hats with stories already built into them. “I’ve been called an old soul my entire life,” she says. “I’ve always loved anything vintage, listening to stories from older generations and finding meaning in hand-me-downs.”

Reynolds West offers custom shaping and restoration. Time, weather and years of wear can cause hats to shrink, lose their shape, dry out or simply look tired. Rather than replacing a favorite hat, Reynolds West can clean it, re-block it, replace the sweatband and update the style to preserve its story. “My favorite part is always the reveal,” Howell says. “Seeing someone’s reaction when they get an old hat looking new again never gets old.”

Sometimes hats carry more than just years of wear. One customer recently brought in the hat he’d worn nearly every day for more than two decades—a gift from his late wife. It was as much a part of him as the memories attached to it. Howell carefully rebuilt and reshaped it, allowing him to continue wearing something that meant more than the felt it was made from.

These are the moments that remind Howell why she started Reynolds West. The shop carries her grandfather’s name, a tribute to the man whose kindness and work ethic helped shape who she is. “My intention was to build this company with my papa’s name, to honor his hardworking spirit and kind nature,” Howell says. “I wanted Reynolds West to be a place where people know they can count on us, not just for hats but for the experience.”

This philosophy has quietly become the heartbeat of her business. In a world that often feels rushed and impersonal, Reynolds West is intentionally slowing things down. Howell believes good business is still built the old-fashioned way with honest work, meaningful conversations and relationships that last long after someone walks out the door. “The goal has always been to create a place the Western community can trust,” she says. “I want people to know they’re welcome here, whether they’re buying a hat or just stopping by.”

That same vision is guiding the shop’s next chapter. Howell is relocating Reynolds West to a larger space in Monument this month, allowing the store to grow beyond custom hats and into

“Reynolds

WHERE Art AND Function INTERSECT

Local Woodworker Handcrafts

Custom Pieces Designed to Last

ARTICLE BY CARA BUKACEK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNA JENNINGS & KYLE MCGUIRE

Kyle McGuire grew up in Northern California and attended the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. As a multidisciplinary artist, he explored several creative mediums in search of the one he enjoyed most. In the meantime, he joined the U.S. Forest Service as a ranger and firefighter. A severe knee injury sustained while fighting a fire in 2012 prompted McGuire’s retirement, followed by surgery and a long recovery period.

“My sister was living in Colorado Springs and had just had a baby,” he says. “I decided to visit so I could help her and continue to recover. I fell in love with Colorado Springs and decided to make a permanent home here.”

McGuire spent his initial days building decks and tearing down old structures across the city when he stumbled upon the wreckage of a century-old home. Salvaging a discarded bundle of historic floorboards, he took them home and transformed the forgotten wood into a beautiful table, breathing new life into history and charting a new path for himself.

“I felt a sense of purpose and empowerment while building that table,” McGuire recalls. “It wasn’t perfect because I was still learning, but it inspired me to learn more about woodworking.” He began creating things for friends and family, which led to a commission from the Colorado Springs Switchbacks soccer team to build 15 tables for their concession area. McGuire quickly formed an LLC and created his business, True Blue Woodcraft.

“The name came to me immediately,” he says. “My approach to woodworking is genuine and authentic. I create things that last, are beautiful and have character. I take pride in creating real woodcraft with integrity.”

The logo for True Blue Woodcraft features a whale, an animal McGuire chose because of his upbringing near the Pacific Ocean. He also tends to see whale forms hidden inside the lumber. “I usually notice a knot in the wood that resembles a whale eye, and then I notice a whale’s form in the wood grain.”

Guided by intuition and an artist’s eye, McGuire hand-selects lumber based on its unique color, grain and natural flow, favoring walnut for its abundance and character. This artistic vision is backed by a commitment to sustainability, using ethically harvested and locally sourced timber whenever possible. Local sourcing also ensures the wood is already acclimated to the dry Colorado climate to prevent future warping and cracking.

McGuire’s artistry thrives on the organic; he creates one-of-a-kind pieces by refusing to hide natural flaws. “Wood is not perfect and never will be,” he says. “I embrace this and feature the imperfections that contribute to its beauty and the character of the piece.”

“Wood is not perfect and never will be. I embrace this and feature the imperfections that contribute to its beauty and the character of the piece.”

Today, True Blue Woodcraft focuses on custom furniture and functional cutting boards tailored to each client’s specific needs. Looking ahead, McGuire aims to expand his artistic boundaries by crafting high-end, whimsical statement pieces, with a long-term dream to open his own gallery and retail storefront.

To browse McGuire’s portfolio or commission a unique heirloom piece, connect with him through his website, truebluewoodcraft.com

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Celebrates 100 Years with a Bold Vision for the Future

ARTICLE BY ROCHELLE REEDER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHEYENNE

MOUNTAIN ZOO & THE BROADMOOR

CENTURY A NEW BEGINS

As the cool morning mist lifts from the trees along Cheyenne Mountain, the gates of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo open to welcome another day of guests. Members and visitors pour through the entrance, where towering giraffes are often the first to greet them. This scene has welcomed generations, but today it carries special significance.

This year, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo celebrates its 100th anniversary. In conjunction, the zoo unveils one of its most ambitious projects: a new, state-of-the-art giraffe center. Its opening also marks the beginning of a new chapter under President and CEO Dave Ruhl, whose leadership helped bring the project to life, and who now takes the reins as the zoo enters its second century.

"It wasn't enough to build a bigger building," Ruhl says. "We challenged ourselves to ask what giraffes actually need and how we could create an environment that reflects the way they live in the wild."

This question guided nearly six years of planning, design, engineering, permitting and construction. Rather than replicating existing giraffe facilities, the zoo's team partnered with local architects, engineers, contractors and animal care experts to rethink what world-class giraffe care could look like. The result is a habitat designed from the ground up that prioritizes giraffe welfare. Large open spaces encourage natural movement. Microclimates throughout the building allow giraffes to choose environments best suited to them throughout the day. Browse feeding mimics their natural foraging behaviors, while a transparent roof allows the herd to live by natural sun and moon cycles.

"THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS CREATED AN INCREDIBLE LEGACY," SAYS DAVE RUHL, THE ZOO'S PRESIDENT AND CEO. "NOW IT'S OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO BUILD THE NEXT HUNDRED."

For visitors, the experience has expanded just as dramatically. The previous facility offered only three zones where guests could feed giraffes. The new center has 11 feeding areas, providing more opportunities to come eye-to-eye with some of the zoo's most beloved residents. Today, 13 giraffes call Cheyenne Mountain Zoo home. The recent birth of Penny, its 200th giraffe calf, serves as a reminder that the zoo’s greatest legacy is measured not only in years but also in the generations of wildlife it has helped sustain.

Rachel Wright, the zoo's communications and marketing director, says the guest experience has always been inseparable from the zoo's mission of conservation. "When people connect with these animals, they begin to care about them," she says. "That connection inspires conservation."

This philosophy has helped define the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo for decades. Each year, guests can participate in the zoo's "Quarters for Conservation" program, which helps fund wildlife conservation efforts around the globe. "We believe people are the key to

wildlife conservation," says Bob Chastain, former president and CEO, who led the zoo through many years of growth. "Success isn't magic. It's the discipline of a million small efforts that ultimately defines the outcome."

These efforts continued even during the uncertainty of 2020, when much of the world paused during the COVID-19 pandemic. Behind the scenes, planning never stopped. Designers refined concepts. Engineers solved complex challenges. Construction crews worked through the logistics of building on the side of a mountain while keeping the zoo operating and maintaining accessibility for guests.

The project required patience from staff and from loyal members and visitors who navigated construction zones with enthusiasm for what was to come. Their reward is far more than a new exhibit. Native Colorado landscaping now frames the entrance, new sculptures welcome guests, planet-friendly

merchandise fills the redesigned gift shop, and accessible pathways improve the arrival experience for visitors. Every detail reflects the zoo's commitment to innovation, sustainability and community.

As Cheyenne Mountain Zoo reaches 100 years, the new giraffe center stands as a tribute to its past and a promise for its future—one where exceptional animal care, unforgettable guest experiences and meaningful conservation continue to move hand in hand.

For Ruhl, the centennial is more about building momentum than reaching a milestone. "The first hundred years created an incredible legacy," he says. "Now it's our responsibility to build the next hundred."

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road

719.633.9925

cmzoo.org

ARTICLE BY BRANDY LOVELACE PHOTOGRAPHY BY KARIN ELLIS & TOM KIMMEL

PEAK Flavor

Green Box Farm & Art Market Gathers Colorado’s Best Seasonal Goods

Once a year, the Green Box Farm & Art Market signals the beginning of autumn as Colorado vendors bring their produce, baked goods, candles, olive oils and other specialty items to the picturesque town of Green Mountain Falls. Hosted by Green Box, an arts community with year-round education programming and activities, the market is an experience meant to be savored and explored.

“People compare it to a European market,” says Karin Ellis, curator of the farm portion of the market for the past four years. “You almost feel like you’re in the center of a city in Italy or France or Spain. I work with what’s best seasonally, what is actually at its peak flavor.”

Ellis, a food consultant and sustainability advocate, treasure hunts across Colorado in search of the state’s most premium goods. She collects juicy Palisade peaches and sweet Olathe corn. She meets with bakers who are passionate about the rye resurgence in the San Luis Valley. She walks alongside foragers hunting for Porcini mushrooms on the Western Slope. She samples sunwarmed Pueblo peppers—perfect examples of how Colorado’s short growing season can produce some of the tastiest vegetables in the country.

Ellis first connected with Green Box when executive director Scott Levy asked to meet, eager to discuss how her love of cooking and intentional sourcing might complement what Green Box was trying to achieve with its farmer’s market.

“I brought some local Rocky Ford cantaloupe with feta cheese and basil,” Ellis recalls. “It was one of those meetings where

you’re working with other artists, even though I don’t think I ever thought of myself as an artist. Culinary art is my creative love. It’s where I center myself, where I calm myself, where I dream.”

The market looks different each year, Ellis says, because nature dictates so much of what farmers can grow in Colorado. Summer hailstorms and May freezes mean that people must get creative. “You’re working with nature, so you have to allow nature to dictate. This is a market that’s highlighting the hardship of weather patterns, of our world.”

Many of the growers Ellis works with don’t have the bandwidth to run a market booth themselves, so she brings their produce to the Green Box market for them. She’s continually drawn to the resilience of the farmers, artisans and makers with whom she builds relationships. “I look for people who are doing the right things, who believe in the right things,” Ellis says.

In addition to the farmer’s market, visitors can expect an array of local and regional paintings, sculpture, jewelry and ceramics curated by Colorado Springs showroom Auric Gallery. Many of the artists work live on-site—creating an immersive experience where you can pause to watch someone paint while sipping a cup of hot coffee and sampling a freshly baked pastry.

Green Box Farm & Art Market Saturday, September 26

6990 Lake St., Green Mountain Falls greenboxarts.org

TREY & KATIE KENNEDY

ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE

Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.

Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.

Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.

ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”

Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.

After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”

The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.

FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY

Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.

Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.

SKY’S the Limit

This Labor Day weekend, Colorado Springs balloon festival Labor Day Liftoff celebrates half a century with three days of exciting events in Memorial Park. In addition to hot air balloon rides, attendees will enjoy concert series, drone shows, various food vendors and more. Admission is free, but add-ons are available for those looking to enhance their experience. Consider the Liftoff Lounge ($150 per adult, $75 per child), which includes access to a tent overlooking the balloon launch field, complimentary meals, drinks, preferred parking and other amenities.

Arrive to the park by 6:30 a.m. each morning to catch the 7 a.m. takeoffs, where dozens of balloons will

inflate, launch and soar through the skies until 9 a.m.

On Saturday and Sunday, evening launches begin at 7:30 p.m. Family-friendly entertainment throughout the weekend also includes aerialists, interactive mystery experiences, remote-controlled balloons and thrilling demonstrations by the Wings of Blue team from the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Labor Day Liftoff

September 5-7

Memorial Park, 1605 E. Pikes Peak Ave. coloradospringslabordayliftoff.com

50 Years of Labor Day Liftoff

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LABOR DAY LIFT OFF

events

AUGUST 1ST

“Freedom to Thrive: The American Experiment in Colorado Springs”

Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum | 10:00 AM

Celebrate Colorado’s 150th birthday at the Pioneers Museum with this new exhibit, featuring work from more than two dozen contemporary and historic changemakers who shaped Colorado Springs into the beautiful community it is today. Until 2 p.m., enjoy live music, food trucks and more to commemorate this historic day. Admission is free. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. cspm.org

AUGUST 8TH

Broadmoor Cycle to the Summit

Pikes Peak | 6:00 AM

For the 17th year, this competitive climb brings together cyclists of all skill levels from around the world to ascend the extraordinary 14er that is Pikes Peak, America's Mountain. The 12.5-mile course will host age group categories and e-bike cyclists. Those who reach the top before 9:45 a.m. receive a special Summit Society medal. This event also includes the Midway Challenge, a 5.16-mile version of the race that ends at the Glen Cove rest area. coloradospringssports.org

AUGUST 14TH

The Pioneer Rodeo & Demolition Derby

Norris Penrose Event Center | 4:30 PM

Rodeo season continues with The Pioneer rodeo events on Friday, August 14 and Saturday, August 15, plus a demolition derby on Saturday, August 16. Enjoy team roping, barrel racing and bull riding, music, food trucks, vendor booths and the opportunity to meet famous faces like "Yellowstone" actor Forrie J. Smith. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for both rodeos, and 2 p.m. for the derby. pioneerrodeo.com

AUGUST 19TH

ZZ Top in Concert

Pikes Peak Center | 7:30 PM

Iconic rock band ZZ Top, originally formed in Texas in 1969, is back on tour. The group arrives in Colorado Springs for a show that will have you dancing to their many classic hits, including "Tush," "La Grange," "Sharp Dressed Man" and "Gimme All Your Lovin'." Doors open at 6:30 p.m. pikespeakcenter.com

AUGUST 22ND

Colorado Springs Health & Fitness Expo

Great Wolf Lodge | 10:00 AM

Discover more than 150 local and regional vendors with expertise in fitness, nutrition coaching, mental health, emotional wellness, rehabilitation and much more in this two-day event designed to engage and inform. Admission ranges from $5-$25, with children under 10 free. One hundred percent of ticket proceeds benefit the Suicide Prevention Partnership in Colorado Springs. cosfitnessexpo.com

AUGUST 27TH

Tails, Tunes & Tastes

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo | 6:00 PM

This after-hours event is reserved for the 21-and-up crowd, who will enjoy unlimited small plates of global-inspired flavors, two complimentary drinks, live music, a drone show and exclusive access to various animal experiences. Advance tickets are $65; day-of tickets are $75, if not sold out. Several cash bars will also be located throughout the zoo. The event wraps up at 9:30 p.m. cmzoo.org